Armenian Heritage Park

Your Guide

Located between the North End Parks and the Wharf District Park, Armenian Heritage Park provides a landscape event that links the Faneuil Hall Marketplace commercial district with Christopher Columbus Park on Boston Harbor.

The park acknowledges the history of Boston as a port of entry for Armenian immigrants and also recognizes the contributions they made to America.

The park was designed by Tellalian Associates Architects & Planners, with Stantec designing the landscape architecture.

Labrynth

Armenian Heritage Park is composed of two major elements. The first is a labyrinth paved in granite and set in lawn. Symbolically, this path celebrates life's journey.

Image: Peter Vanderwarker

Dramatic Lighting

A dramatically-lit water feature anchors the center of the labyrinth. Beyond, the illuminated spire of the Custom House Tower marks a point of intersection between the original Long Wharf and the Shawmut Peninsula.

Image: Peter Vanderwarker

The Dodecahedron

The second element, an abstract sculpture of a split, 12-faced dodecahedron is mounted over a reflecting pool. From multiple vantage points, the orthogonal forms of the sculpture provide a wonderful visual interplay between the scale of the park and the forms of the surrounding architecture.

Image: Peter Vanderwarker

Reconfiguring, Re-establishing

Annually, the two halves of the sculpture are physically reconfigured, representing the range of immigrants who have come to America and how their creativity and resilience has enabled them to re-establish themselves in new and different ways. The statue was last reconfigured in April 2013.

Image: Andrew Arbaugh, Shadley Associates

Water Flows Through the Park

Water within the sculpture basin's reflecting pool washes over its sides and re-emerges as a single jet of water at the center of the labyrinth. The Mercantile Building adds a layer of rich historic architectural patina to the setting.

Image: Peter Vanderwarker

A Gift from the Armenian-American Community

Part of the inscription on the fountain reads: "Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have offered hope and refuge for immigrants seeking to begin new lives. The park is a gift to the people of the Commonwealth and the City of Boston from the Armenian-American community of Massachusetts.”

Image: Peter Vanderwarker

Contributions to American Life and Culture

The words “Art,” “Service,” “Science,” and “Commerce” are etched on the edge of circle in tribute to the contributions immigrants have made to American life and culture.

Image: Peter Vanderwarker

Paving Patterns Create Connections

Angles within the labyrinth paving pattern draw a connection to the adjacent Christopher Columbus Park and the edge of Boston Harbor beyond.

Image: JP Shadley, Shadley Associates

Sloping Black Granite Wall

A sloping black granite wall creates a comfortable and sunny area to sit within the park while screening visitors from traffic. Hornbeam trees soften the setting while adding to the formal landscape character.

Image: JP Shadley, Shadley Associates

Eternity

The “pinwheel” pattern at the center of the labyrinth reflects the Armenian symbol for “eternity."